The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 6 observed the 2020 National Women’s Month Celebration in March 2020.
This year’s theme “We Make Change Work for Women” pertains to empowering females to attain their full potentials in becoming effective contributors for the country’s development.
DENR-6 recognizes women as leaders, caretakers and educators in protecting and conserving the environment and natural resources.
The Department also considers women as catalysts in climate change mitigation and disaster risk reduction. It adopted the theme “Women Can Make Change in Climate and Disaster Resiliency.”
During the Gender and Development (GAD) Forum that was conducted recently by the DENR-6, women from the Department were enlightened as the President and Executive Director of Expertpanel Consultancy, Inc. Estela F. Paredes tackled basic gender concepts and salient features of Republic Act No. 9710 (Magna Carta of Women) to empower ladies of their rights.
Atty. Pio R. Dargantes, Director of Ombudsman in Region 6, discussed gender sensitivity in recognizing women and their roles in nation building and ensuring equality of women and men.
Paredes explained the difference between sex and gender. Sex is an identification of the biological differences in a human body based on reproductive functions while gender is psychological and sociocultural characteristics whether feminine or masculine.
Gender biases victimize both men and women as they suffer inequality, but most cases are on women.
The Magna Carta of Women is a comprehensive women’s human right law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and promoting the rights of Filipino women, especially those in the marginalized sectors.
Women experience physical, sexual or emotional violence through discrimination and harassment committed by their partners or strangers and human trafficking are among the different ways violence against women occurs.
They are discriminated by limiting, denying or restricting their rights in enjoying the access of equal opportunities, benefits and privileges. They have the right to be respected in education and employment especially in the field of military, police and other similar services.
According to the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons launched by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the most common form of human trafficking (79%) is sexual exploitation. The victims of sexual exploitation are predominantly women and girls. In some parts of the world, women trafficking women is the norm.
Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children(VAW-C) Act values the dignity on women and children and guarantees full respect of human rights, recognizing the need to protect the family and its members, particularly women and children from violence and threats for their safety and security.
Violators of this Act can get help from the Barangay VAW Desk or the PNP Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD).
Stereotypes and biases can be destroyed by broadening our perception by collectively raising equality.
“Women are also the strong advocates and contributors to the climate action and sustainability. The Philippines is one of the best countries where women enjoy equal rights with men,” DENR-6 Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla Jr. said. (DENR-6)
